Powerful Goal-Setting Drives Development And Launch Of Microsoft’s New Windows 8 Software

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (November 11, 2012) – Last month Microsoft engaged in a massive marketing drive that culminated in the launch of their new Windows 8 software. Through a recent publication Internet Marketing TNT Magazine outlines some of the goal-setting strategies that made it work.

CNET news reports that since last Friday’s launch Microsoft had sold at least 4 million copies of Windows 8 software. This comes on the heels of a $1.5 billion rebranding effort to give fresh marketing messages against an established reputation. But while the fanfare played a major part in the successful launch of the product, it may appear that the goal strategy was most responsible for the design and development success.

David Cameron Gikandi, entrepreneur, investor and author of “How To Set Goals and Actually ACHIEVE Them” outlines some recognizable secrets to the Microsoft Windows 8 success.

First, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer set out to “re-invent what standard advertising is in the app ecosystem.” The heart of the Windows 8 interface centers around “live tiles.” They are a system of constantly updating applications built on a very visually different experience from current notification systems or static menu displays.

The interface falls under David Gikandi’s admonition to visualize outcomes as imaginatively and as detailed as possible. David says “It is… extremely important that you have crystal-clear images and thoughts, consistently.” Indeed, the visual impact and experience could be said to be much in evidence at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington conference when demonstrating the new software.

Second, David asserts that you must not limit yourself, that one must transcend one’s own limits, to “Think big, challenge yourself to extend your expectation. Be open to receiving even more than you need. Always think in terms of “this or better”.” Microsoft claimed to be the first company in the sector to take a “co-creation” approach when building out apps and ads within aps in its operating system. By partnering with eight brands and six agencies, Microsoft effectively shot past its own limitations, bringing the complementary expertise and specialized knowledge of the partner groups to fill in gaps that they could not.

Last but not least, Steve Ballmer affirmed that Microsoft is “looking to re-invent what standard advertising is in the app ecosystem and bring new levels of standard experience.” This was displayed to best effect in the way that the ads on the system were part of the mosaic of the interface, making them a part of the experience rather than an interruption to it. The way this was designed brings to mind David’s admonishment that goals must follow the vision of the desire. The designers visualized each application a part of the whole—including the advertisements—and translated exactly that to their desired outcome.

There are several other principles and strategies that David explains that are also applicable to your own visualization and goal-setting experience. His book, “How to Set Goals and Actually ACHIEVE Them” is available now in ebook format on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZBXJOW) and will be free for a limited time. In addition to his powerful, goal-setting guidelines he sets out ways where you can

Increase your positive intentions and results by a factor of 10

Stop the cycle of self-sabotaging

Stay motivated, focused and moving forward

Become aware of and change your unconscious decisions

Understand how the universe works and use it to your advantage

It doesn’t take a massively successful software launch to realize that anyone can achieve success with the right approach to goal-setting and action. But to really achieve results requires a dedication and focus to goals that perfectly aligns with one’s desires.